Asia
Melco Announces Unaudited Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings
Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited, a developer, owner, and operator of integrated resort facilities in Asia and Europe, today reported its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023.
Total operating revenues for the fourth quarter of 2023 were US$1.09 billion, representing an increase of approximately 224% from US$337.1 million for the comparable period in 2022. The increase in total operating revenues was primarily attributable to the improved performance in all gaming segments and non-gaming operations following the relaxation of COVID-19 related restrictions in Macau in January 2023 and the opening of Studio City Phase 2.
Operating loss for the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$94.4 million, compared with operating loss of US$199.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Melco generated Adjusted Property EBITDA(1) of US$303.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with negative Adjusted Property EBITDA of US$6.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Net loss attributable to Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited for the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$156.6 million, or US$0.36 per ADS, compared with US$251.9 million, or US$0.57 per ADS, in the fourth quarter of 2022. Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests was US$20.8 million and US$42.1 million during the fourth quarters of 2023 and 2022, respectively, all of which were related to Studio City, City of Dreams Manila, and City of Dreams Mediterranean and Other.
Mr. Lawrence Ho, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Macau continues to demonstrate its extraordinary growth potential and has shown resilience despite China’s uncertain macro-economic outlook. Visitations to Macau during this month’s Chinese New Year holiday period were close to 2019 levels and the number of visitors from China exceeded 2019.
“2023 was a year of post-pandemic recovery and the debut of our new developments, including City of Dreams Mediterranean and Studio City Phase 2. 2024 is set to be another exciting year for us as we continue to develop new ideas and strategies to bring market leading leisure and entertainment offerings to our customers.
“As part of our initiatives to ensure Melco is leading the market in all areas of our business, we are making changes to management in Macau and bolstering the leadership team. We expect these changes will strengthen us as a team to secure a stronger and more competitive future.
“City of Dreams Manila in the Philippines has continued to show solid growth with significant market share gains in mass table games and slots. City of Dreams Mediterranean in Cyprus continues to be impacted by the conflicts in the region but is starting to show some signs of recovery so far this year.”
City of Dreams Fourth Quarter Results
For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, total operating revenues at City of Dreams were US$559.8 million, compared with US$139.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. City of Dreams generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$166.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with negative Adjusted EBITDA of US$7.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The year-over-year increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily a result of better performance in all gaming segments and non-gaming operations.
Rolling chip volume was US$5.19 billion for the fourth quarter of 2023 versus US$850.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The rolling chip win rate was 2.55% in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus 4.47% in the fourth quarter of 2022. The expected rolling chip win rate range is 2.85%-3.15%.
Mass market table games drop increased to US$1.44 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with US$292.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The mass market table games hold percentage was 31.6% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with 29.2% in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Gaming machine handle for the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$957.4 million, compared with US$194.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The gaming machine win rate was 3.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus 4.5% in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Total non-gaming revenue at City of Dreams in the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$80.1 million, compared with US$30.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Altira Macau Fourth Quarter Results
For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, total operating revenues at Altira Macau were US$33.6 million, compared with US$9.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. Altira Macau generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$0.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with negative Adjusted EBITDA of US$9.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The year-over-year change in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily a result of better performance in the mass market segment and non-gaming operations.
In the mass market table games segment, drop was US$149.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus US$31.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The mass market table games hold percentage was 23.8% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with 20.6% in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Gaming machine handle for the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$87.8 million, compared with US$40.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The gaming machine win rate was 3.2% in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus 3.0% in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Total non-gaming revenue at Altira Macau in the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$5.3 million, compared with US$2.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Mocha and Other Fourth Quarter Results
Total operating revenues from Mocha and Other were US$28.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with US$19.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. Mocha and Other generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$6.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with Adjusted EBITDA of US$1.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Mass market table games drop was US$49.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus US$21.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The mass market table games hold percentage was 14.8% in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus 19.7% in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Gaming machine handle for the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$493.0 million, compared with US$372.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The gaming machine win rate was 4.6% in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus 4.2% in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Studio City Fourth Quarter Results
For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, total operating revenues at Studio City were US$302.5 million, compared with US$43.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. Studio City generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$77.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with negative Adjusted EBITDA of US$25.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The year-over-year increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily a result of better performance in the mass market segment and non-gaming operations.
Studio City’s rolling chip volume was US$566.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus US$251.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The rolling chip win rate was 1.86% in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus 2.70% in the fourth quarter of 2022. The expected rolling chip win rate range is 2.85%-3.15%.
Mass market table games drop increased to US$864.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with US$113.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The mass market table games hold percentage was 30.0% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with 27.1% in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Gaming machine handle for the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$778.3 million, compared with US$124.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The gaming machine win rate was 3.2% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with 2.7% in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Total non-gaming revenue at Studio City in the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$65.3 million, compared with US$9.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.
City of Dreams Manila Fourth Quarter Results
For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, total operating revenues at City of Dreams Manila were US$120.5 million, compared with US$95.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. City of Dreams Manila generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$48.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with Adjusted EBITDA of US$23.6 million in the comparable period of 2022. The year-over-year increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily a result of better performance in the mass market segment and non-gaming operations.
City of Dreams Manila’s rolling chip volume was US$416.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus US$940.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The rolling chip win rate was 3.97% in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus 1.84% in the fourth quarter of 2022. The expected rolling chip win rate range is 2.85%-3.15%.
Mass market table games drop increased to US$198.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with US$148.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The mass market table games hold percentage was 29.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with 31.9% in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Gaming machine handle for the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$1.08 billion, compared with US$1.02 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022. The gaming machine win rate was 5.3% in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus 4.7% in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Total non-gaming revenue at City of Dreams Manila in the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$30.3 million, compared with US$24.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.
City of Dreams Mediterranean and Other Fourth Quarter Results
The Company operates three satellite casinos in Cyprus in conjunction with City of Dreams Mediterranean.
Total operating revenues at City of Dreams Mediterranean and Other for the quarter ended December 31, 2023 were US$47.3 million, compared with US$28.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. City of Dreams Mediterranean and Other generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$4.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with Adjusted EBITDA of US$10.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Rolling chip volume was US$6.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 versus US$1.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The rolling chip win rate was negative 8.85% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with 16.43% in the fourth quarter of 2022. The expected rolling chip win rate range is 2.85% – 3.15%.
Mass market table games drop was US$87.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with US$38.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The mass market table games hold percentage was 22.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with 24.9% in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Gaming machine handle for the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$492.8 million, compared with US$392.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The gaming machine win rate was 5.0% in both the fourth quarters of 2023 and 2022.
Total non-gaming revenue at City of Dreams Mediterranean and Other in the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$13.0 million, compared with US$0.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Macau’s gaming sector is likely to see a slowdown in EBITDA growth in June and July due to the mainland’s crackdown on illegal money exchange operations in Macau, according to a recent forecast by Morgan Stanley.
China’s Ministry of Public Security has launched a major campaign to target “money exchange gangs” providing large-scale cash exchange and loan sharking services to mainland Chinese gamblers in Macau. These illicit activities have been facilitating the flow of funds out of China, which authorities view as a threat to financial stability.
The crackdown has already yielded results, with police across China reporting successful operations that have uncovered millions in illegal exchange activities and the arrest of dozens of suspects. However, analysts warn that disrupting these unofficial currency exchange channels could potentially lead to a slowdown in mainland Chinese travel to Macau’s gaming industry.
Praveen K Choudhary, Gareth Leung and Stephen W Grambling of Morgan Stanley project that the second quarter will see the first negative quarter-on-quarter growth in both mass gross gaming revenue (GGR) and corporate EBITDA since the post-Covid-19 reopening. Mass GGR is expected to decline 2% quarter-on-quarter, reaching 113% of 2019 levels, while corporate EBITDA is forecast to decrease 7% quarter-on-quarter, reaching 80% of pre-pandemic levels.
The brokerage firm predicts that June and July will see a slowdown due to the money exchange crackdown, while weaker macroeconomic conditions, consumption, and retail sales in China could persist in the third quarter and further impact the Macau market.
The post Macau Gaming Growth to Slow Down Amid China’s Clampdown on Illegal Money Exchanges appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
China Media Group, Esports World Cup and VSPO Sign Strategic Cooperation Agreement on National Institute for Esports Development
China Media Group, Esports World Cup Foundation and VSPO have signed a strategic cooperation agreement on Friday as the new China Media Group National Institute for Esports Development kicked off in Beijing.
China Media Group (CMG), which operates state television networks including CCTV, formally unveiled the new CMG National Institute for Esports Development on Friday. The Institute then signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Esports World Cup Federation and VSPO during the establishment ceremony, vowing to jointly organise and participate in future esports events.
The establishment ceremony was attended by Shen Haixiong, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and president of CMG, Sun Shuo, CPC Secretary of Xicheng District and Xue Jijun, head of the institute, among other government officials.
The three organisations have been long-time advocates for the healthy development of the esports industry. VSPO already works with the Esports World Cup Foundation in organising the inaugural Esports World Cup, an eight-week mega event currently underway in Riyadh with a record-breaking prize pool of more than $60 million.
“It’s a huge honor to be a strategic partner with the Chinese Media Group and the Esports World Cup Foundation with the establishment of the CMG National Institute for Esports Development, which marks another key sign of Beijing’s support for esports development,” Chairman of VSPO, Asia’s biggest esports operator, Dino Ying said.
The post China Media Group, Esports World Cup and VSPO Sign Strategic Cooperation Agreement on National Institute for Esports Development appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Top distributor for emerging markets secures well-known and respected sales leader to continue expansion of its global footprint
QTech Games, the leading distributor for all emerging markets, has appointed Crystal Nadal to the position of Sales Director.
Crystal is a well-known and respected operator in the industry, armed with a wealth of international expertise within business development and sales that is uniquely fine-tuned for Asia’s patchwork make-up of territories.
Crystal arrives at QTech Games after successful recent stints at Tom Horn Gaming, where she acted as Head of Business Development for Asia; Aura Gaming, where she was COO; and Solid Gaming where she held a range of senior marketing roles across an array of varied content – including live-dealer and assorted igaming solutions for the fragmented Asian market. In each case, she diligently built the brand’s reputation in gaming markets from India to the Far East, demonstrating a keen eye for strategy and new sales across both digital and land-based sectors.
Now Crystal brings those skills to bear at the industry’s leading platform and distributor for growth territories. She will be responsible for managing QTech Games’ existing partners throughout the world’s largest continent, and spearheading the expansion of QTech Games’ burgeoning influence into other untapped “margin” markets.
Crystal Nadal said: “I’ve always based my business relationships on the ability to add value. Working with QTech Games, I’ve not only found the premier distributor for delivering localised games in Asia, but also a strong, experienced team that are client-focused and share an ongoing commitment to tailor their offering to make it work for the customer.
“My new colleagues at QTech Games have excellent relationships across the sector, and their proprietary platform has quickly become the trailblazer in our home territory of Asia. They’re trusted, supportive, collaborative and well-regarded. I can’t get behind a better story than that.”
Philip Doftvik, CEO of QTech Games, commented: “We’re thrilled that Crystal has joined the QTech Games team and she’s hit the ground running. With her winning mindset and attitude, she is also a perfect fit in our company culture. Her experience and contacts in sales and business development are second to none in the Asia landscape, so she’ll be a real asset to both the company and all our clients.
“Securing the best executive talent has always been a main driver of our ability to scale. Therefore, we’re naturally delighted that Crystal is now taking the wheel for further business development and sales in our core continent.”
The post QTech Games appoints Crystal Nadal to the role of Sales Director appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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